NGO Rescues Birds Injured by Kite Threads

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA) said on Thursday sounded an alert against the use of Chinese manja and glass-coated threads, even as it initiated its operations to rescue birds that are injured by criminal practices.

The National Green Tribunal banned Chinese manja in 2016, and violators can face up to five years in prison, a fine of Rs 1 lakh, or both.

The association said it had rescued 174 injured birds during Sankranti last year, but 50 per cent did not survive their injuries. "Glass-coated thread causes deep wounds and it takes weeks for birds to recover, often affecting their ability to fly," said a veterinary doctor from the organisation.

The GHSPCA advised people to fly kites in the afternoon when bird activity is minimal and to responsibly collect and dispose of kite threads after the celebrations. Using knives or scissors to free entangled birds should be avoided as such usage would worsen their injuries.

On spotting an injured bird, the association advised contacting animal welfare organisations or activists for guidance. Kites should not be flown at night and the use of Chinese nylon manja should be completely stopped, it said.

The GHSPCA has also launched city-wide patrols that will operate throughout the festival week. For emergencies, GHSPCA can be reached at 8886743881 and 9394578568.

The number of birds rescued yearly:

2017: 106 birds

2018: 156 birds

2019: 57 birds

2020: 46 birds

2021: 56 birds

2022: 67 birds

2023: 72 birds

2024: 174 birds